This supplemental activity is designed to supplement the STEM career exploration badge activity for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, by providing an additional field to explore.
Access the guide below, or scroll to the bottom for a printable PDF version!
Materials needed:
Internet-connected device capable of streaming videos
Paper and pencil or digital device to type on.
For the robotic hand activity: narrow rubber bands, drinking straws, cardboard, tape, scissors, nylon cord, centimeter ruler, and a pen.
Field 7: Space Science
Space science is an incredibly broad field, encompassing the engineers who build rockets, the astronomers who study stars and distant galaxies, and even astronauts who travel into space. For someone who is excited to learn about the universe beyond planet Earth, there are many different careers available that each require a unique set of skills.
Here are some ways you can make a difference with a career in space science:
Develop technology for space travel and communication. This can include building and writing code for satellites or even creating technology that would one day allow humans to live in space.
Support space travel. Sending humans to space requires massive teams of people. This includes engineers who design rockets, mission control personnel, teams who train astronauts, and of course the astronauts themselves.
Observe faraway stars and planets. Space is vast, and many scientists use advanced telescope technology to learn about what exists at the far reaches of our universe.
Videos: Interviews with nine space science professionals are available in the Role Models playlist on WOW STEM's YouTube channel! Each interview falls into one of three categories. Links to individual interviews and transcripts are below.
Technology to support space travel and communication: Dr. Ashley Williams, Lee Gaverick, Dr. Ariel Ekblaw, and Wanda Sigur
Space travel: Karolyn Young, Dr. Cady Coleman, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Madi Sengupta
Observe faraway stars and planets: Dr. Kim Arcand
To explore what it’s like to have a career as a space scientist, choose one of the above videos and reflect on the following questions. Take about 10 minutes to write your own answers, and then discuss with your troop.
Which video did you choose to watch? What is your scientists’ career?
How did she get interested in her career path?
What skills does her work require (e.g. computer skills, engineering, etc)?
What appeals to you about her career? What aspects seem difficult or challenging?
Next, let’s build a model robotic hand that mimics the one used by NASA. See instructions.
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